Roy Keane criticises England partners over replica shirts at World Cup
Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has criticised the partners of England players for wearing replica shirts displaying their significant others’ names during the World Cup in the United States.
The 53-year-old pundit expressed his disbelief at the practice while speaking on a podcast alongside former colleagues Gary Neville and Ian Wright.
England recently secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their latest tournament fixture.
Following the final whistle, players including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford were seen celebrating with their families in the stands.
Keane labels shirt gesture ‘ridiculous’
When asked by former Manchester United team-mate Neville what modern football trend he would banish entirely, the outspoken analyst immediately targeted the family enclosure.
“The World Cup, when all the players’ wives and families are going to the match, all the wives are in the jerseys with the players’ names on the back, wow,” said Keane.
He clarified that he had no issue with children wearing the kits, but maintained that adult partners partaking in the trend was unnecessary.
“Children is fine, the partners is ridiculous. All sitting in the same family section, I’ve got my jersey, have you got yours? I’m not having it.”
The former midfield enforcer pointed out that families rarely wear replica tops during standard domestic fixtures at Anfield or Old Trafford.
Wright defends supportive families
Former Arsenal striker Wright immediately defended the travelling contingents, noting that wearing the shirt was a natural expression of pride.
“Her husband is playing and she’s proud of him and she wants to wear his shirt, it seems as simple as that,” Wright argued.
The debate comes amid a broader shift in the national team’s camp dynamics under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel relaxes family camp rules
The German tactician has notably relaxed the strict boundaries previously enforced by his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
Under the current regime, wives and girlfriends are permitted to enter the official tournament training base in the United States.
This softer approach aims to keep the squad relaxed as they navigate the immense pressure of international tournament football.
